Real Madrid's Raúl may not have been on best form recently, but when he puts on a Spain shirt he hardly ever fails. Last Wednesday he scored his 38th goal for his country, a record which may not be beaten for a long time even if he was to stop scoring tomorrow. The other goal came from Morientes, on loan from Real Madrid at Monaco, who has probably done enough to take the last remaining striker's spot ahead of Salva, Tamudo and crowd.

Back to the league, and another spectacular goal from Raúl's young team mate on Wednesday, Fernando Torres, helped Atlético Madrid consolidate their fifth position in the league. Torres may be the only one who could break Raúl's international record in the long run. Another Spanish striker Luque also scored in Deportivo's 2-2 draw with Betis, but he has been given a wide role both at Depor and for Spain, and is therefore likely to score less.

One young man who can feel unlucky to be left out of Iñaki Sáez's squad is Mista, who scored his 18th league goal of the season in Valencia's Sunday night win against Murcia. The manager though did say he still had a chance of making it, although maybe after the Euro 2004 championships are over. Former under 21 international David Villa must be another medium term candidate for a full cap in a season or so, and he put in another claim for a look in with the second goal for Zaragoza against Racing.

And finally going back to Real Madrid to complete the circle, this weekend it was Roberto Carlos and Figo who got the goals to keep their side at the top of the table. Figo's though was the most controversial, the Portuguese midfielder deflecting a second Roberto Carlos free kick into the net with his forearm. (05.04.04)